How to Choose a Barcode Scanner in 2025

In today’s dynamic, data-focused world, businesses across various industries rely on barcode scanners as the cornerstone of data capture. The right barcode scanning solution improves operational efficiency and enhances the overall customer experience.

As technology continues to advance, companies need to learn about the different types of barcode scanners available to them. This knowledge will help them make informed decisions to improve operational processes and customer experiences.

There are currently a wide range of barcode scanner types to choose from. It’s important to consider the specific needs of your operation, such as compatibility, data collection, and user friendliness, before making any final decisions.

In this guide, we will explore the complexities of current barcode scanning technology by reviewing the basics, discussing the latest trends, and looking at current and future solutions offered by Scandit.

Scandit’s expertise and innovative solutions

Born from researchers at MIT, ETH Zurich and IBM, Scandit has revolutionized barcode scanning through 15 years of innovation and continuous improvement.

Scandit offers innovative barcode scanning software that can be integrated with any device with a camera and is used in many industries including retail, logistics, healthcare, and transportation.

Our software leverages the computing power and high-resolution cameras found on today’s smartphones and tablets and applies AI-powered, advanced barcode decoding algorithms for unmatched efficiency and accuracy.

With high-performance scanning capabilities, Scandit’s software can rapidly and accurately capture data in even the most demanding environments.

What is a barcode scanner?

The core components of barcode scanners include:

• Light Source: To read a barcode, it has to be adequately lit. Historically, scanners have included a light source component (such as a red light, laser, or LED) to achieve this. However, today industry leading barcode scanning software is powerful enough that it usually works just fine with ambient light, even in low light conditions.
• Sensor: The sensor detects the light reflected back from the barcode. In laser scanners, the sensor captures the reflection of a laser beam across the barcode, then converts this light into an electrical current. In camera-based and CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) scanners, like those used with smartphones, the sensor is an imaging component that captures an image of the barcode.
• Decoder: The decoder interprets the sensor’s data, converting the barcode’s black and white spaces into text. The decoder uses specific algorithms to decode the data correctly and apply error correction techniques to ensure the data is accurate.

There are two main types of barcode scanners:

1. Hardware Barcode Scanners

These are physical devices that can range from handheld units to stationary industrial models (like a grocery scanner).

These types of machines use optical sensors or light beams plus built-in software to capture and decode the visual patterns on barcode labels. They come in a fixed form factor and run software with a limited set of functions.

2. Software Barcode Scanners

These are downloadable applications or SDKs (software development kits) that transform the cameras on smart devices (such as smartphones, tablets, or handheld computers) into effective barcode scanners. Software-based scanning solutions are highly versatile and can be integrated into more general digital systems for functions such as inventory management and point-of-sale operations.

With the advancements in software barcode scanning in recent years, the speed of scanning on even low-end commodity smartphones matches or exceeds hardware barcode scanners.

Both hardware scanners and software scanners can operate in offline modes, synchronizing the data collected with the central system once connectivity is restored. This feature helps to ensure that vital product-related information is not lost to unpredictable internet reliability.

Another important feature of current barcode scanning technology is the ability to interpret patterns and retrieve data from various types and quality of barcodes. Leading software-based scanners employ advanced decoding algorithms that are capable of retrieving data from many different types of barcodes, including more complex codes such as Aztec, Data Matrix, and UPU Fluorescent, as well as those that are in less than ideal condition.

This is highly important, as barcodes can easily be smudged, scratched, and compromised in various settings. Error correction capabilities provide reliability in environments where barcodes cannot always be kept in pristine condition.

Modern barcode scanning solutions offer multiple benefits for users, including:

1. Speed: Today’s barcode scanners are designed to decode information quickly and efficiently, enabling rapid transactions and effective inventory management.
2. Accuracy: Modern scanners have a low failure rate and reliably prevent data entry errors through their precise scanning abilities.
3. Ease of integration: Many barcode scanning systems offer SDKs and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that make integration with existing applications and systems an easy process. These APIs may include user interface (UI) components as well to ensure good scanning user experiences (UX) with little development and testing time needed. No-code apps, such as Scandit Express, are also available that do not require any development effort. This allows businesses to embed barcode scanning abilities into mobile apps seamlessly.
4. Smart features: Modern barcode scanners can do much more than just scan single barcodes. For example, batch scanning multiple barcodes at once can increase efficiency by a factor of 10. Some scanners can also add augmented reality (AR) overlays to scanned barcodes that provide useful, real-time insights such as stock levels or whether on-shelf prices are correct.

From small retail ventures to enterprise-grade logistical operations, these components and technologies make barcode scanners a powerful tool for streamlining processes and improving overall efficiency.

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What are the most important barcode scanning features of the year?

Barcode scanning technology is trending towards software-defined solutions that can run on any device, including but not limited to smartphones. These scanner types have become prominent due to the flexibility, popularity, and processing power of even commodity smart devices.

Some of the most sought after features in the software barcode scanning world include:

1. Compatibility and integration: Software scanners must be compatible with various operating systems like iOS and Android, and integrate seamlessly with other applications. This is vital for ensuring cross-platform compatibility.
2. User experience (UX): The effectiveness of a software scanner can be significantly affected by its UX design. Easy-to-use interfaces, quick response times, and minimal scanning errors help improve user adoption rates and satisfaction reports.
3. Scanning efficiency and accuracy: Advanced image processing algorithms help ensure that software scanners can quickly and accurately decode barcodes in different conditions, such as in low light or with less than ideal quality.
4. Security and privacy: These apps may access users’ cameras and handle sensitive data, which means strong security measures and clear privacy policies are critical.
5. Innovative features: Features such as batch scanning, where multiple barcodes can be scanned and processed simultaneously, augmented reality, and the integration of machine learning for improved recognition capabilities, are important developments that enhance the functionality of software-based barcode scanners.

While hardware barcode scanners will always be needed in some capacity, software-first smartphone barcode scanners are definitely the way of the future. They provide a blend of convenience and innovation to sectors like retail, logistics, and healthcare.

How do I choose the right barcode scanner for my business?

Choosing the right barcode scanner for your business requires a clear understanding of your specific needs and operational environment. Start by assessing the different types of scanners available to determine if you’re in need of a hardware scanner or if scanning software for smart devices is a better fit for your operations.

Consider the conditions in which scanning needs to occur, such as:

• Lighting levels
• Scanning range
• Physical distance from barcodes
• Orientation of products (i.e. are they on stacked pallets, kitted in larger boxes, individually wrapped, etc.)

Barcode scanning performance varies widely between different vendors, and between open-source and paid options. You will need to choose a solution with performance that fits your situation.

Scanning occurs in the real world, so the barcode scanner you opt for should be real-world tested. We want you to see for yourself that our scanning software is the right fit for your needs.

• Scandit’s demo app is downloadable in the App Store and on Google Play, allowing you to test the quality of our scanning before investing any integration effort.
• The no-code Scandit Express app for iOS and Android can be easily tested with a 14-day free trial.

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If your business already has existing software systems in place, consider how the scanner you choose will integrate into these. You want integration to be as easy and seamless as possible.

Some other factors that development and product teams should consider when choosing a barcode scanner to integrate include:

• Supported symbologies: Ensure the scanner supports all barcode symbologies relevant to your business. This includes well-known formats like UPC, EAN and QR codes, as well as more complex symbologies such as Aztec codes, Data Matrix codes, or codes printed in fluorescent ink (such as UPU). Today, advanced barcode scanning software running on smart devices, such as Scandit, can scan codes that previously required specialist, expensive scanners.
• Likely integration effort: Product and development teams often underestimate the likely integration effort of barcode scanning. Integrating barcode scanning software requires more than just changing camera permissions and extracting data. User adoption also depends on a smooth, helpful, unobtrusive user experience (UX) – which can take a long time to develop and user test in-house. An alternative is to use an advanced scanning SDK, such as Scandit, with pre-built and pre-tested scanning interfaces to reduce integration times. Alternatively, no-code apps like Scandit Express are a great option that do not require any integration.

Depending on the industry your business is in, different features can also make certain scanners more desirable than others. Some aspects you may want to consider in common industries that employ scanning technology include:

Retail and Point of Sale Systems

In retail point of sale (POS) systems, barcode scanners must integrate seamlessly with POS software for efficient high-volume scanning. Handheld, cordless laser, or stationary omnidirectional scanners are common, offering quick scanning from various angles to reduce wait times. Software compatibility is crucial for syncing scanned data with sales and inventory systems.

Many businesses are now opting for newer solutions like software scanning applications for smartphones, tablets, and handheld computers. These solutions don’t require the purchase of any expensive hardware pieces and are easier to integrate into various operational systems.

Inventory Management

For inventory management, consider scanners with real-time tracking that integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Portable data terminals or rugged handheld scanners with wireless connectivity are ideal, as they can withstand harsh warehouse conditions and update inventory counts on the fly.

Smartphones with life-proof cases and barcode scanning software, like Scandit, , are also good options for inventory management, saving time and money.

Healthcare and Medical Records

In healthcare settings, barcode readers must support the tracking of samples, administration of medications, and updating of electronic health records (EHRs). Scanners used in these environments need to be capable of reading small and sometimes specialized barcodes on medication packages or patient ID bracelets. They must also uphold strict hygiene standards, often requiring easy disinfection. Camera-based scanners integrated into medical devices or smartphones with appropriate medical-grade covers are the most suitable option, providing necessary accuracy and safety.

Scandit provides barcode scanning software that offers flexibility and easy integration with any device with a camera to companies within each of these industries. Other industries that Scandit provides solutions to include:

• Post and Parcel Delivery
• Air Travel
• Supply Chain Logistics
• Field Services
• Manufacturing

What’s the future of barcode scanning technology?

Due to their adaptability and personalization capabilities, software-only barcode scanners are paving the way for future advancements in the industry. Advancements span multiple domains, from improved functionality, speed, and data processing abilities, to better integration and user experience. Some of the main advancements in barcode scanning technology include:

• QR code scanning: This aspect of barcode scanning is expected to see significant growth due to its smartphone compatibility. More and more consumer-focused applications are incorporating QR scanning technology for payment and marketing purposes.
• Augmented reality (AR) integration: This feature is set to revolutionize the scanning interface, allowing users to see context-relevant data overlaid directly on the items they scan. Advancements in this area are slated to dramatically improve consumer experiences in retail settings.
• AI and machine learning: Improvements in this area are helping scanning software better read “tricky” codes that would previously have required manual input – such as damaged or poorly printed barcodes. AI and machine learning also help to automate barcode scanning workflows and shift tedious tasks such as scanning hundreds or thousands of barcodes a day to technology.
• Multimodal data capture: Advancements in multimodal data capture help to combine information from barcodes, text, and images, offering more comprehensive data analysis capabilities.
• IoT and edge computing: The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing promises to enable real-time visibility and processing, optimizing operations and reducing data transfer delays in environments like manufacturing and distribution centers.

Why choose Scandit?

Scandit provides reliable and efficient barcode scanning software solutions. With our flexible APIs, no-code apps, and cross-platform compatibility, we are a proven choice for developers and product teams looking for measurable impacts on efficiency.

Our software is designed to be adaptable for businesses of all sizes, allowing for integration into a wide range of already existing systems and operations, ensuring that your business’ needs are covered as you scale towards larger operations and profits.

The personalized solutions that Scandit offers are designed to specifically address the unique needs of each business we partner with. For example, in retail, features like augmented reality (AR) for interactive shopping and intelligent shelf management for optimal inventory tracking help enhance the customer experience and boost operational efficiency.

In addition to AR and intelligent shelf management, Scandit offers other solutions like MatrixScan. This innovative feature allows users to perform multiple barcode scans simultaneously, which significantly speeds up tasks such as checking out and managing inventory.

Our no-code data capture tools provide businesses with the ability to implement complex scanning solutions without the need for extensive technical expertise. This helps to simplify the integration of our advanced barcode scanning technology into your already existing operations.

Final thoughts

Technology is changing business across every industry. Developers and product teams in need of innovative barcode scanning software that integrates seamlessly into existing systems can trust in Scandit’s expertise and experience. Contact us today to learn more about Scandit’s innovative barcode scanning capabilities.